The coast of Norfolk is a superb holiday destination all year round, regardless of the season. Once visited, it becomes a firm favourite for those that love nature and fans of a good old fashioned trip to the seaside.
Popular with naturalists and extended families, there are many activities and places of interest to go visit. From the historic town of King's Lynn to the traditional seaside resort of Cromer, the stark beauty of Blakeney Point to the iconic windmill and bird reserves of Cley-Next-the-Sea. Each season brings its treasures too, so whilst some holiday destinations only really come to life in the summer, Norfolk, whilst quiet in the colder months, is still a recommended holiday destination.
The nature of Blakeney Point
For a nature trip of a lifetime, without going on an African safari, try a walk out to Blakeney Point on for size. It's one of the UK's most accessible seal haul-outs, with a permanent colony of at least 500 common and grey species. The best way to see the seals without a four mile walk along the remote shingle bank, is by boat tour during the warmer months.
Blakeney Point is also a great place to see some rare flora and fauna, and along with Cley-Next-The-Sea a brilliant place to spot or point birds out to your kids. It's a great stretch of coastline and a great opportunity to see nature at its most unspoilt and it's worth the effort.
Visit a royal residence - Sandringham House
If you're looking for a day trip of a more relaxed variety try a trip to the Queen's winter and Christmas residence, Sandringham House. Deep in the land of Norfolk lavender farming, it has been the private home to four generations of sovereigns since 1862. Parts of the grounds and house are open to the public with its museum, lavish gardens and visitor centre. Sandringham House also hosts a large garden show each July ensuring that this royal residence is well worth a visit, between March and October.
Have a Norfolk Lavender day out
Open all year around, Norfolk Lavender is the world famous farm close to Heacham. Entry to most of the lavender gardens is free and there's a café too. You can see the lavender oil distillery, national lavender collection and herb garden. In 2010 the landscaped meadow gardens and the fascinating animal farm with outdoor play area were added to the make the visit even more welcoming to families. New for 2016 is a petting zoo and a hornbeam maze. Some of the features are undercover away from the elements during winter.
Step back to your childhood with a trip to the seaside
Who amongst us doesn't harbour fond memories of trips to the seaside? The smell of vinegar coated fish and chips, the cry of seagulls and the ping-dinging of the electronic games arcade all bring those days back. Well you can relive these days for nostalgia's sake as you explore the coastal wonders of Hunstanton, Cromer and the daddy of all seaside resorts, Great Yarmouth. It's fun to while away an afternoon feeding your coppers into a variety of ancient, powered games to win a fluffy alien, or take a donkey ride. Lower your guard, forget that diet for five minutes and have a bag of hot mini-donuts too.
Hunstanton has the mile of arcades, and Cromer has the ornate pier. The current wrought iron-based version has been in place since 1901. The sea is wild in the winters and has to be witnessed and enjoyed from afar. A huge sum of money is being spent on better sea fortifications along the Norfolk coast to protect wonders like the pier or the saltmarshes at Blakeney Point during their fantastic and ferocious winters. We've mentioned a few of the highlights but we've barely scratched the surface of places to go and things to see all year around in coastal Norfolk.
Ride a mini steam train to Wells-On-Sea
One of the best countryside rail links is the Wells to Walsingham Light Railway. It's the longest 10¼" narrow gauge railway, at a mile long, in the world and has several trains running its length. Dogs are welcome to ride for free too! It's a timetable service and is a popular attraction for people of all ages.
Make chocolate for your friends
Fancy a chocolate making workshop for the family? Why not check out the Chocolate Deli in Wells-next-the-Sea, a haven for cocoa fanatics where you can learn to craft chocolate masterpieces yourself. Imagine an afternoon with your family and friends learn how to make such confections. It could get messy, very quickly! Book ahead for workshops! Also, you can order goodies online and pick them up in store, or pop in and choose something to take away there and then!
Where to stay
Our large houses in Norfolk provide the perfect base from which to explore all the county has to offer.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.